Bliss in Boston keeps Campbell, Kelly from testing market

At one point or another, Chris Kelly and Greg Campbell likely
wondered if the grass might be greener on the other side, if better
opportunities might’ve been awaiting them in a hockey town
other than Boston.

Greg Campbell's deal will keep him in
Boston through the 2014-15 season. (Getty Images)

But knowing just how good things are in the Hub of Hockey,
neither of them was all that interested in finding out.

General manager Peter Chiarelli made it official that the two
centers will be returning next season, with Campbell signing a
three-year deal and Kelly agreeing to a four-year pact in
principle. Both will be passing up a chance to test the free-agent
waters and a shot at more money in favor of staying with the Black
and Gold.

“He’s an individual, due to the lack of centermen
out there in the free market, that took less than he would’ve
got on the market. Let’s make no bones about that,”
Chiarelli said of Campbell. “All along, Gregory has told me
he wants to be back with the Bruins. Although it took a little bit
of time, we made it work. I can’t say enough about the glue
that Gregory gives us and his style of play.”

Campbell has certainly carved out a vital role with the club
since arriving via trade from the Panthers in the summer of 2010.
He said his camaraderie with linemates Shawn Thornton and Dan
Paille played a big role in his decision to stay in Boston being a
no-brainer. Campbell also cited the trio’s importance to the
team’s success, as the three have been relied upon more than
most fourth lines by coach Claude Julien.

“I’ve been able to play with Thorty for the last two
years on a consistent basis, and Danny, too. It makes it a lot
easier,” said Campbell. “It’s a tough league to
play in. When you have support and know one another’s
tendencies, every little bit helps. We’re a line that is
valued and that’s a rare thing in the NHL. I think the
importance of depth and a fourth line has really come to light in
the last couple years. You see the teams that have won have really
relied on their whole lineup.

“We play an important role. Obviously our role is
different than a lot of other players and not as glamorous, but
nonetheless it’s important and that’s what I like about
Boston. We’re appreciated with what we do and we just try to
contribute any way possible.”

Kelly, fresh off a season that saw him bury a career-high 20
goals, is immensely grateful for the appreciation that’s been
shown by both the entire organization and its tremendous fan
base.

“To be a Bruin is something that’s been really
special to me,” said Kelly. “My wife and I have fallen
in love with the city and the community. Just going to the rink
every day and playing in front of passionate hockey fans has been
something great to experience. Obviously getting to win a
championship in Boston was something that I can’t
describe.

“I know Peter, management and the whole organization
(wants) that to become a regular thing. I think that was a huge
reason why I wanted to come back. It’s such a great
organization that wants to win. You only get so many opportunities
to get a chance to win, and obviously I wanted to get as many
chances as I could, so Boston was the right decision.”